City of Natchez

Building permits are required for all new residential construction, residential additions, major repairs (porches, siding, roofing), structural alterations, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work within the City of Natchez.

Note: All construction work within Natchez city limits requires building permits. No exempt work categories identified; contact Office of Inspections for edge cases.

Building code

City of Natchez Development Code (effective December 18, 2007) incorporating Standard Building Code, National Electric Code, Standard Gas Code, Standard Housing Code, Standard Plumbing Code, Standard Swimming Pool Code, Standard Mechanical Code, Standard Fire Prevention Code, and Standard Life Safety Code.

Permit validity

Permit valid for construction duration; final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may pull permits but must comply with all City of Natchez contractor licensing requirements for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Contractor requirements

Contractors pulling permits for building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work must hold a valid City of Natchez contractor license obtained through the Office of Inspections. Licensed electricians must be registered with the Office of Inspections.

Source: Office of Inspections ↗

1. 01
   Determine if your project is in a historic district and whether a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required.
2. 02
   Prepare plans demonstrating compliance with the City of Natchez Development Code (2007) and applicable zoning requirements.
3. 03
   For historic district projects, submit COA application to the Natchez Preservation Commission using Secretary of the Interior Standards and Natchez Historic Design Guidelines (1999).
4. 04
   Submit permit application and plans to the Office of Inspections at City Hall, 124 S. Pearl Street (2nd Floor).
5. 05
   City staff reviews plans for code compliance and zoning compliance.
6. 06
   Upon approval and fee payment, applicant receives permit valid for construction duration.
7. 07
   Contractor must hold a valid City of Natchez contractor license.
8. 08
   Inspector conducts daily inspections during construction.
9. 09
   Final inspection required before occupancy.
10. 10
    Certificate of Occupancy issued ($150 fee).

Typical processing time: Varies; plan review typically 2-4 weeks. Historic district COA approval may take additional time depending on Commission review schedule.

Source: Office of Inspections ↗

• Office of Inspections, City Hall (in-person)
• (601) 445-7518 (phone)

Inspection hours

During business hours; daily inspections available

Typical sequence: Inspector conducts daily inspections during construction to monitor code compliance.

Source: Office of Inspections ↗